CMP Review 2024-08-29

August 29, 2024

When the PNEU began grappling with emerging technology in the last century, they generally based their evaluation on how the technology was going to be used. In 1931, Rose Amy Pennethorne drew the distinction between technology that involves “a passive state of reception” versus technology that “for our children … becomes conception and execution.”

This distinction guides my homeschool as well. I want my children to be technologically literate but not technologically dependent or passive. I think digital presentation skills in particular are important and also give an opportunity for conception and execution. But how to bring life and meaning to the process of learning a technology tool?

A great solution we found was the PowerPoint party. This became an anticipated event in our household as each family member, regardless of age, was required to give a presentation. The topic was left to each presenter to choose.

As conception moved to execution, my son learned about the capabilities of digital presentation technology (and the value of teamwork). And even though I’ve been using PowerPoint for many years, I still picked up a few new skills when preparing for this family event.

When the night of the PowerPoint party arrived, we all enjoyed interesting and widely varied presentations. We learned about each other and got experience sharing before a small audience. Could a PowerPoint party work in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments.

@artmiddlekauff